Scientists crack some secrets of Mona Lisa

Berlin, July 18 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Researchers say they have discovered some new secrets of the famous Mona Lisa paintings. The scientists say they studied seven of Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings in this endeavor.

The famous Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Scientists say the great artist used a technique they refer to as “sfumato” in his paintings. It involves using successive ultra thin layers of paint and glaze. Researchers say that gives his paintings the special and unique quality that they are noted for.

Researchers from Center for Research and Restoration of the Museums of France said Leonardo’s paintings of Mona Lisa had about 30 layers of the “sfumato” technique. The researchers say the layers are very thin and are less than 40 micrometers.

The scientists used a technique called X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to study the Italian’s works. According to the scientists, the technique that was developed in collaboration with the European Synchrontron Radiation Facility in Grenoble. The tool is so precise that it allows them to study for these paintings in this manner for the first time and they are able to find out the mix pigments used by the Italian artist.

The painting of Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world. The painting, which is also called Portrait of Lisa Gheradini, is owned by the Government of France and it is on display at the Louvre Museum of France.